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Descendants of Thomas KEY & Sarah Kendall

Thomas Key was the first resident schoolmaster in Lot 11, during the 1830's
and made his home at Foxley River until his death. Thomas emigrated to PEI, probably
Cascumpeque, Lots 5&6, by 1821. In that year he was one of ten witnesses summoned
by the Crown to testify in the trial of a Mr. Christy who was charged with burning
the store of John Hill, proprietor of Lot 5, on Nov.9, 1820. He reportedly came
from near London, England. Thomas may have returned to England again for family
tradition goes on to relate that he led a life of relative ease there, having
come from a well-to-do family. He apparently met and fell in love with a common
seamstress (another version refers to her as a dairy maid). Because he intended
to marry the young girl who was "beneath his station", his family refused to sanction
the marriage. In 1830, his beloved, Sarah Kendall came out to Cascumpeque with
her parents. He & Sarah were wed in Cascumpeque on Aug. 30, 1832. Sara was
only sixteen at the time she married, Thomas was 31. Tradition was that Thomas
& Sarah were British, but the 1881 census indicated that Sarah was Irish.
Attempts to find Thomas pre:PEI have proven to be difficult.

Thomas was said to have been one of the best-educated men in Prince Country
during the 1830's. He became a schoolmaster of considerable skill and taught in
several districts in central Prince for over a quarter of a century. He was the
first recorded school master in the old one room log schoolhouse in Lot 14, in
1837 and he continued to teach there periodically until 1853. He is also on record
as the first teacher of the Cascumpec School when it opened in 1862. On occasion
he was commended for his good work by the "School Visitor". His proficiency and
success in instructing local scholars in Arithmetic, Writing, Reading & Elocution
did not go unnoticed. Tradition relates that he instructed the first Lot 11 scholars
in James Warburton's house soon after it was built in 1834. Thomas instructed
several members of the Warburton family during their elementary years and many
went on to achieve considerable fame abroad in their own right. He also taught
Hon. Joseph Murphy, MLC, one of Lot 11's most well-respected legislators and public
servants. Money was so scarce and teachers' salaries so meagre during the mid-nineteenth
century that it has been told Thomas occasionally took a little pig or whatever
produce he could obtain in part payment for his service as a schoolmaster. Thomas
was also a bookkeeper and accountant, occupations which enabled him to supplement
his meagre income from teaching in order to support his large family. He became
a close personal friend of both the Warburton and the Yeo families of Port Hill
as evidenced by the naming of certain members of his family.

Thomas's gr-granddaughter, Gretha Mae Key, remembers being told that her grandfather,
in order to collect his pay cheque, would have to walk to Charlottetown. The school
house at Port Hill, Lot 14 was moved onto the property of Green Park, beside the
Yeo House & Shipbuilding museum in 2000.

Thomas Key settled at Foxley River (then called Woodbrook), probably soon after
his marriage in 1832. The earliest land transaction for him occurred in March
6, 1854 when he leased a 145 acre property at Lot 11 from Sir. E.H. Walsh. The
property was situated along the main Lot 11 road, opposite the George Jelley's
farm, and it extended west to the site of the Anglican Church (St. Peter's), of
which he became a devout member. On March 1, 1858, Thomas obtained a freehold
deed to his farm from the government. He continued to teach school and to farm
at Foxley River until his early death in 1869 after an illness of six months.

Notes for Sarah Kendall: Sarah survived Thomas by 33 years, living with her
son, John Key, until his death in 1897 and then with John's widow until Sarah
passed away in 1902.

We would like to thank the many wonderful people who have
worked with us to put together this file. A working copy of this file is found
online – www.rootsofeoghann.com
, members of the family are invited to view & review.

Caroline married John Wilfred FORD, son of Silas FORD and Ann S SMITH. John
was born on 26 May 1858 in Ellerslie, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN, died on 26
Jan 1926 in Mt.Pleasant, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in 1926 in
St.John's Anglican Church Cemetery, Ellerslie, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN. Another
name for John was Western Ford.

Mary married William Samuel COTTON, son of Samuel COTTON and Jane GRANT, on
25 Nov 1857 in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN. William was born on 23 Mar 1832 in
Bideford, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN and died on 10 May 1907 in PE, CAN.

Sarah married William FRIZZELL, son of John FRIZZELL and Catherine Jenkins
SENTNER, on 12 Sep 1888 in Bloomfield, Lot 5, Prince Co., Pe, Canada. William
was born on 17 Jul 1861 in PE, CAN and died in 1940 in MA, USA.

Susan married John ELLIS, son of William M ELLIS and Nancy Ann CAMPBELL, on
2 Jun 1857 in Port Hill, Lot 13, Prince Co., Pe, CAN. John was born on 20 Mar
1834 in Port Hill, Lot 13, Prince Co., Pe, CAN and died on 4 Mar 1923 in Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN.

36 M ii. Herbert Melvin ELLIS was born on 30 Nov 1863 in Northam,
Lot 13, Prince Co., PE, CAN and died on 22 May 1926 in PE, CAN. Another name for
Herbert was Melvin Ellis.

Herbert married Ann Aseneth GORRILL, daughter of William GORRILL and Priscilla
WILLIAMS, on 30 Oct 1889 in Rectory, Port Hill, Prince Co., Pe. Ann was born on
6 Jan 1867 in PE, CAN and died on 20 May 1929 in Anglican Church Cemetery, Ellerslie,
Prince Co., Pe, Canada. Another name for Ann was Ann(Annie) Aseneth GORRILL.

Sarah[Etta] married Frank Russell DAWSON, son of Samuel Edward DAWSON and Mary
Nelder BOYLE, on 17 Mar 1908. Frank was born on 28 Nov 1884 in East Bideford,
Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN, died on 21 Dec 1926 in Dawson's Grove, East Bideford,
Pe, and was buried in Bideford-Conway United Church Cemetery, Bideford, Lot 12,
Prince Co., Pe Canada.

6. Caroline Ellis Yeo KEY was born on 24 Jan 1843 in Foxley River, Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN, died on 13 Nov 1931 in O'leary, Lot 6, Prince Co., PE, CAN,
and was buried in United Church Cemetery, West Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., Pe,
Can. Another name for Caroline was Caroline A KEY.

Caroline married Jacob DIGNAN, son of John DIGNAN and Sarah HEANEY, in PE,
CAN. Jacob was born on 12 May 1839 in Ireland, UK, died on 8 Jan 1918 in Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in United Church Cemetery, West Devon, Lot
10, Prince Co., PE, CAN

47 M i. William James DIGNAN was born on 9 Dec 1866 in Western
Rd, Lot 6, Pe and died in MA, USA.

William married Lucida PATE. Lucida died in Mass, USA.

48 M ii. Charles Lever DIGNAN was born on 31 Jan 1869 in PE, CAN,
died on 10 Jan 1962 in Holmes Co., OH, USA, and was buried in Monroe St. Cemetery,
Cleveland, OH, USA.

Charles married Lillian COOPER, daughter of Unknown COOPER and Mary UNKNOW,
on 13 Sep 1892 in Cleveland, OH. Lillian was born on 14 Feb 1872 in Cleveland,
Cuyahoga Co., OH, USA, died on 26 Jun 1942 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., OH, USA,
and was buried in Monroe Street Cemetery, Cleveland, OH, USA. Another name for
Lillian was Lillie Cooper.

Henry married Emily Beatrice KEY, daughter of John H KEY and Jane Isabella
YEO, in 1898 in PE, CAN. Emily was born on 25 Aug 1881 in Foxley River, Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN, was baptized on 30 Oct 1881 in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN,
died on 26 May 1925 in O'leary, Lot 6, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in
United Church Cemetery, West Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., Pe, Can. Another name
for Emily was Beatrice KEY.

50 M iv. John Thomas DIGNAN was born on 15 Feb 1874 in PE, CAN,
died in 1950 in PE, CAN, and was buried in United Church Cemetery, West Devon,
Lot 10, Prince Co., Pe, Can.

John married Belinda A HEANEY. Belinda was born on 29 Mar 1876 in PE, CAN,
died on 24 Mar 1963 in PE, CAN, and was buried in United Church Cemetery, West
Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., PE, CAN.

51 M v. Robert Bridges DIGNAN was born on 24 May 1876 in PE, CAN,
died on 14 Feb 1901 in PE, CAN, and was buried in United Church Cemetery, West
Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., Pe, Can.

He never married and had no children.

52 M vi. Edmund DIGNAN was born on 2 Jan 1879 in PE, CAN, died
on 11 Nov 1950 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, OH, USA, and was buried on 14 Nov 1950
in Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, Cuyahga, OH, USA.

Edmund married Augusta DILLA. Augusta was born between 1880 and 1883 in Germany
and died on 26 May 1959 in Downey, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA.

53 F i. Emily Beatrice KEY was born on 25 Aug 1881 in Foxley River,
Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN, was baptized on 30 Oct 1881 in Lot 11, Prince Co.,
PE, CAN, died on 26 May 1925 in O'leary, Lot 6, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried
in United Church Cemetery, West Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., Pe, Can. Another name
for Emily was Beatrice KEY.

Emily married Henry N DIGNAN, son of Jacob DIGNAN and Caroline Ellis Yeo KEY,
in 1898 in PE, CAN. Henry was born on 13 Aug 1872 in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN,
died in Nov 1954 in O'leary, Lot 6, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in United
Church Cemetery, West Devon, Lot 10, Prince Co., PE, CAN

Elizabeth married Albert Edward GAY, son of William James GAY and Sarah WILSON.
Albert was born on 4 Jul 1872 in Summerside, Lot 17, Prince Co., Pe, Can; At Home
and died on 7 Sep 1956 in Summerside, Lot 17, Prince Co., PE, CAN.

55 M iii. John Russell KEY was born on 7 Dec 1886 in Lot 11, Prince
Co., PE, CAN, was baptized on 11 Apr 1887 in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN, died
on 19 Apr 1969 in Summerside, Lot 17, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in 1969
in St.Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Foxley River, Lot 11, Prince Co., PE,
CAN. Another name for John was Russell Key.

John next married Elizabeth Pearle WOODSIDE, daughter of Paul WOODSIDE and
Mary Ellen ADAMS, on 1 Feb 1968 in United Church Manse, O'leary, Prince Co., Pe.
Elizabeth was born on 17 Nov 1893 in Margate, PE, CAN, died on 11 Mar 1984 in
Alberton, Lot 4, Prince Co., PE, CAN, and was buried in 1984 in United Church
Cemetery, Glenwood, Prince Co., PEI, CAN. Other names for Elizabeth were Pearle
WOODSIDE and Bessie WOODSIDE.

Damaris married George M MACARTHUR, son of Archibald(Archie) MACARTHUR and
Mary MACNEILL. George was born in 1848 in Poplar Grove, Lot 11, Prince Co., Pe,
was baptized in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN, died in 1888 in Lot 11, Prince Co.,
PE, CAN, and was buried in 1888 in Presbyterian Cemetery, Freeland, Lot 11, Prince
Co., PE, CAN

59 M i. George Percy MACARTHUR was born in Jun 1880, died on 11
Sep 1923, and was buried in Sep 1923 in Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Freeland,
Prince Co., PE, CAN

George married Caroline(Carrie) Alice ADAMS, daughter of Joshua ADAMS and Henrietta
KEY, in 1902. Caroline(Carrie) was born on 22 Oct 1881 in Lot 11, Prince Co.,
PE, CAN, died on 2 Aug 1957, and was buried in Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Freeland,
Prince Co., PE, CAN

60 M ii. John(Brad) Bradford MACARTHUR was born on 27 May 1884
in Poplar Grove, Lot 11, Prince Co., Pe, died on 23 Nov 1967, and was buried in
Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Freeland, Prince Co., PE, CAN

John(Brad) married Florence Amelia WIGMORE, daughter of Josiah WIGMORE and
Robina[Janet] Gibbs HOLMES, on 10 Jun 1907 in Port Arthur - Thunder Bay, ON, Can.
Florence was born on 9 Dec 1886 in Founds Mills, Pe and died on 21 Nov 1971. Another
name for Florence was Florence WIGMORE.

61 M iii. John Robert MACARTHUR was born in 1886 in Poplar Grove,
Lot 11, Prince Co., Pe and died in 1886 in PE, CAN.

Damaris next married Daniel C MACDONALD in 1894. Daniel was born in 1835 in
Naufrage East Point, PE, CAN and died in 1908.

Damaris next married John McNEILL after 1908. John was born in 1838 in McNeills
Mills, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN and died in 1911.

Damaris next married William(Bill) THOMPSON in 1912. William(Bill) was born
in 1855 in Poplar Grove, Lot 11, Prince Co., Pe and died in 1923.

Margaret married William Kelly ADAMS, son of William ADAMS and Esther KELLY,
on 26 Oct 1878 in Port Hill, Lot 13, Prince Co., Pe, CAN. William was born on
17 Apr 1840 in Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN and died on 3 Sep 1922 in Lot 11, Prince
Co., PE, CAN.

63 F ii. Sarah ADAMS was born on 2 Aug 1881 in Lot 11, Prince
Co., PE, CAN and died in 1976.

Sarah married James A MACLEAN. James was born about 1884 and died on 25 Sep
1958.

64 M iii. George Albert ADAMS was born on 15 Dec 1882 in Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN and died on 18 Oct 1969 in Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA.

George married Elizabeth O'CONNER. Elizabeth was born in 1880 and died in 1958.

65 M iv. William Thomas Percy ADAMS was born on 3 Jan 1885 in
Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN, died in 1970 in PE, CAN, and was buried in St.John's
Anglican Church Cemetery, Ellerslie, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN. Another name
for William was Percy.

William married Minnie H MACKINNON. Minnie was born in 1886 in PE, CAN and
died in 1925 in PE, CAN.

William next married Bertha M DOHERTY. Bertha was born in 1881 in PE, CAN,
died in 1961 in PE, CAN, and was buried in St.John's Anglican Church Cemetery,
Ellerslie, Lot 12, Prince Co., PE, CAN.

66 M v. John Edward ADAMS was born on 29 May 1887 in Lot 11, Prince
Co., PE, CAN, died in 1975 in PE, CAN, and was buried in St.Peter's Anglican Church
Cemetery, Foxley River, Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN. Another name for John was
Jack.

John married Hannah NICHOLSON. Hannah was born in 1894 in Montague, Pe, died
in 1968 in PE, CAN, and was buried in St.Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Foxley
River, Lot 11, Prince Co., PE, CAN.

67 F vi. Fanny Pearl ADAMS was born on 11 Apr 1890 in Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN and died in 1944. Another name for Fanny was Pearl.

Fanny married James Johnson MACKINNON, son of Malcolm MACKINNON and Elizabeth
MACDUFF. James was born in 1888 in PE, CAN and died in 1972.

68 M vii. James Melvin ADAMS was born on 12 Mar 1893 in Lot 11,
Prince Co., PE, CAN. Another name for James is Melvin.

Caroline(Carrie) married George Percy MACARTHUR, son of George M MACARTHUR
and Damaris KEY, in 1902. George was born in Jun 1880, died on 11 Sep 1923, and
was buried in Sep 1923 in Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Freeland, Prince Co.,
PE, CAN

Caroline(Carrie) next married John MURPHY in 1932.

70 F ii. Annabella[Belle] ADAMS was born on 10 Feb 1884 in Lot
11, Prince Co., PE, CAN and died in 1963.

Annabella[Belle] married James H BLAIR in 1903. James was born in 1863.